Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival returns in June

Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival will return to the borough for the 8^th time next month. The popular event is a now a firm favourite with parents, children and schools!

The festival in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and Blackburn with Darwen Council will span over two weeks, from 9^th – 21^st June.

Organiser and founder Christina Gabbitas is the Patron for Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and was chosen by as one of 500 Coronation Champions by Her Majesty The Queen in 2023.

Christina said:

I’m thrilled to be able to spread the positivity of reading, writing and books once again! It’s made even more special with the support of the very library I visited whilst growing up in Blackburn. If it wasn’t for the library, I wouldn’t be writing today. This year we have another amazing lineup, including debut author Saira Shah and illustrator Reyhanah Ismail, who are both from Blackburn.

The festival and initiative this year is being supported by Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Phil Riley, ‘Call The Midwife’ Actress Jenny Agutter and Cynthia Johnston Lecturer in the History of the Book who Christina took inspiration from.

Phil Riley said:

I want this festival to continue to grow. With all the digital distractions available in the modern world, it’s never been more important to introduce children to the wonders of reading and to harness the skills we have on our doorstep. The festival is clearly loved by the school children and teachers because it such high quality.  What’s really impressive about the Believe in Magic book is the strong focus on our rich local history, pride and spirit of people who live and work here.

Schools are invited to bring their classes to experience interactive author and illustrator sessions to be held in all Blackburn with Darwen Libraries. There will also be an outreach programme to visit SEND schools, making the festival more inclusive.

Christina is also inviting children and young people up the age of 16 to write poetry or prose about their favourite place or space in Blackburn or Darwen.

There will be a prize of a £200 Waterstones voucher for the Blackburn with Darwen school with the most entries, followed by £100 voucher for the individual winner and £50.00 for a runner up. The initiative is open until 25^th August winners are to be judged by Councillor Phil Riley, Christina Gabbitas and Blackburn with Darwen Libraries.

Adele Karwat Service Manager of Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and archives said:

We are excited once again to be assisting Christina to organise the 8^th literature festival, which is now firmly on our annual calendar that brings so much positivity about reading through our libraries in our borough.

Christina added:

Since launching the first festival in Blackburn in 2018, we have engaged with over 25,000 children and families and gifted more than 10,000 books. Throughout this journey, I have encouraged children to express their creativity by writing about important topics, ranging from plastic pollution to kindness. We are excited to continue this tradition of promoting literacy and creativity in our community!

There will also be free books and free tickets for selected shows taking place at the festival as the event aims to get bigger and better each year!

For more information visit:  www.childrensliteraturefestivals.com